Window motor help

[Pdotjones]

My driver side window doesn't roll down when I press the button, but you can hear the motor turning.... So I took off my door panel to investigate, and what I saw was that when you press the button, the little hex key type bolt or what not, was just spinning... I even stuck my Allen key inside to try an turn it to see what happens, and nothing..... What's wrong? What do I do? And do I have to replace it? Thank you in advance...

[george graves]

Might help if you say what year the car is - early or late.

[Pdotjones]

Its an 87, early model I'm assuming...

[StereoInstaller1]

Window regulator is shot: replace

[Pdotjones]

Window regulator is shot: replace

Oh damn... Ah well.... Thanks

[StereoInstaller1]

The damn gear inside the regulator wears out, causes a major bind in the motor.

I am gonna grab a pair of late model windows/regulators so I can have the nice smooth quick quiet windows like my wife has...

[whiltebeitel]

FYI, the difference between Early and Late window regulators:

http://r3vlimited.org/board/showpost.php?p=1752805&postcount=5

You need the corresponding glass for each regulator, since they have different mounting points.

[Pdotjones]

On a scale of 1-10, how much better are the late model widows? Or is it just personal preference?

[whiltebeitel]

I think the late model is a bit better, less prone to wear, but after having both, I'd go with whatever is most convenient for you to get your hands on.

[StereoInstaller1]

Personally, I think there is a huge difference.

Well, maybe worse because the wifes car is a nice smooth 135,000 mile beauty and mine a 300,000 mile heap of junkyard leftovers.

However, BMW changed them for a reason...cost cutting or quality?